Huatusco PDC: Ricardo Romero Teaches Permaculture in Mexico

A Permaculture Design Certification (PDC) course is being offered from March 28 to April 10, 2026, at Las Cañadas - Bosque de Niebla in Huatusco, Veracruz, Mexico. This in-person course, led by Ricardo Romero, aims to provide participants with an internationally recognized certification in permaculture design. The course is accredited by the Permaculture Association of Great Britain, signifying its adherence to global standards.

The program is structured to offer a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, emphasizing regenerative living projects. It is presented as Mexico's most complete PDC, distinguished by 30 years of applied experience at the host center, a consolidated regenerative project serving as a living classroom, and a holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic aspects.

The target audience for this PDC is broad, including sustainability and regeneration designers and consultants, landowners and ranchers interested in transitioning to regenerative models, community leaders, civil organization members, and professionals in fields such as architecture, agronomy, and biology. It also caters to individuals seeking to shift towards regenerative lifestyles and educators looking to incorporate permaculture into their curricula.

Upon completion, participants are expected to gain a deep understanding of permaculture principles and ethics, challenging existing paradigms and recognizing the impact of individual actions on global crises. A key objective is the practical application of permaculture design principles in various contexts, including social, agricultural, and infrastructural projects. The course will introduce the "Regrarians Methodology" as a framework for designing regenerative life projects. Attendees will also observe and learn about diverse permacultural systems, strategies, and techniques in agroecology, ecotechnologies, bioconstruction, and social organization. Practical design tools, both theoretical and field-based, will be taught, culminating in the creation of a master plan for a group project on a specific plot or ranch.

The curriculum covers a wide array of topics. Fundamentals of Permaculture include its origins, contemporary definitions, ethics, design principles, indigenous influences, and the "Permaculture Flower" concept. Design Methodologies will delve into the complete design process, from objective setting and analysis to implementation, utilizing tools like Google Earth, QGIS, and RLTA, and focusing on sector analysis and relative element placement. Climate and Geography will cover human climate, ecological footprint, landscape reading, cartography, and topographical mapping, including the use of laser levels for contouring.

Integral Hydrological Design is a significant component, addressing rainwater harvesting and storage, sustainable pumping methods (e.g., hydraulic ram, solar energy), water needs calculation, natural greywater treatment, and keyline design. Regenerative Productive Systems will explore agroforestry, edible forests, regenerative livestock management (Voisin Rational Grazing), biointensive gardens, polycultures, agroforestry nurseries, seed banks, and sustainable forest management. Bioconstruction and Ecotecnologies will cover local materials, renewable energy for energy autonomy, dry toilets, waste management, efficient wood stoves, and appropriate technologies including animal traction.

Regenerative Soil Management will educate participants on geology, soil formation, agroecological fertility, nutrient cycles, physical-chemical soil analysis, organic fertilizers, biofertilizers, erosion control, and soil recovery. Finally, Social Systems and Governance will introduce cooperative models, sociocracy for decision-making, permaculture-based education, regenerative economics, and land conservation mechanisms.

The course fee is MXN $15,850.00 per person (approximately US$917.78 or £674.51), which includes accommodation, meals (excluding the first day's lunch), and electronic course materials. The maximum capacity for the course is 22 participants. Arrival is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, with the course commencing at 6:30 PM. It concludes after breakfast